Administrator, Administratrix: Individual appointed by the courts to take charge of the estate of a decedent who dies without a will.

Affidavit of Next of Kin: A document issued by the Surrogate which allows the next of kin to dispose of the deceased's property. This affidavit is issued in cases where there is no will, no spouse, and the total value of the property does not exceed $10,000.

Affidavit of Surviving Spouse: A document issued by the Surrogate which allows the husband or wife of the deceased to dispose of the property. This affidavit is issued in cases where there is no will and the value of the estate in the deceased's name does not exceed $20,000.

Beneficiary: A person designated to receive money, property, or benefits in a will.

Bequest: A gift of personal property by a will.

Bequeath: To dispose of personal property through a will.

Caveat: A formal notice given by someone to prevent the proving of a will or the grant of administration of an estate.

Codicil: An addition or supplement to an original will that adds to or deletes only part of the will.

Contingent Beneficiary: Receiver of property or benefits if fist-named beneficiary dies before receiving all benefits.